Pieter G. Weinrieb, Esq.
Founding Attorney — Certified Mediator — 20+ Years in Family Law
Pieter G. Weinrieb, Esq.
Founding Attorney | Certified Mediator
Pieter Weinrieb founded Weinrieb Law in 2011 with a singular mission: to provide families facing their most difficult legal challenges with skilled, compassionate representation grounded in both legal expertise and genuine human understanding. Over two decades later, that mission remains unchanged.
Unlike many attorneys who treat family law as one specialty among several, Pieter has dedicated his entire legal career exclusively to divorce and family law. That singular focus means he has handled virtually every scenario that arises in family court across Erie County and Western New York — contested and uncontested divorces, high-conflict custody battles, complex property divisions, military divorce, orders of protection, paternity disputes, and everything in between.
As a 42-hour certified family and divorce mediator, Pieter also offers clients a path through divorce that does not require adversarial litigation. His dual expertise — as both a skilled courtroom advocate and a trained mediator — allows him to assess each client’s situation clearly and recommend the approach most likely to achieve their goals, whether that means aggressive litigation, collaborative negotiation, or mediated resolution.
Pieter’s background in psychology and human behavior — reflected in his graduate education in the humanities — informs how he approaches client relationships and how he evaluates the interpersonal dynamics that drive family law disputes. He understands that divorce is not just a legal event but a human one, and that clients need an attorney who grasps both dimensions.
Education & Training
- Nichols High School
- B.A., Hobart College (English; Minor: Religion)
- M.A.H., State University of New York at Buffalo
- J.D., Pace Law School
- 42-Hour Certified Family & Divorce Mediator
Bar Admissions
- New York State Bar (2005)
- Connecticut State Bar
Recognition
- Avvo Client’s Choice Award
- Featured in the Buffalo News
Professional Memberships
- Erie County Bar Association — Matrimonial & Family Law Committee
- Erie County Bar Association — Family Law Practice & Procedure Committee
- New York State Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Erie County & Niagara County Attorney for the Child Panels
- Erie County Assigned Counsel Program (Family Law)
Why Clients Choose Pieter
In over two decades of family law practice, Pieter has observed something consistent: clients who feel genuinely understood by their attorney navigate the legal process better. They communicate more clearly, make better decisions under pressure, and arrive at hearings prepared rather than reactive. This is why Pieter brings as much attention to the human side of a case as to the legal strategy.
His academic background in English, religion, and the humanities is not incidental — it shapes how he reads people, how he writes arguments, and how he helps clients see their situation clearly even when the circumstances are emotionally overwhelming. Divorce is a story, and how that story is told to a judge matters.
Areas of Particular Depth
- Certified Mediation — Pieter is one of relatively few Western New York family law attorneys who is both a litigator and a certified mediator. He can represent you in court or help you reach resolution without it, depending on what your case requires.
- High-Conflict Custody — Two decades of contested custody cases, combined with experience as an Attorney for the Child, give Pieter unusual perspective on how courts evaluate parenting and what evidence moves judges.
- Complex Asset Division — From business interests and QDROs to investment properties and deferred compensation, Pieter has the experience to identify what you have, what it’s worth, and how to fight for your fair share.
- Military Divorce — Federal law governing military retirement (the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act), SBP elections, and deployment-related custody issues require specialized knowledge. Pieter has guided active duty service members and veterans through divorce.
A Note on Approach
Pieter is direct with his clients. He tells them what he honestly believes about their case, including the parts they may not want to hear, because decisions made on accurate information produce better outcomes than decisions made on wishful thinking. He believes that most people, given clear information and realistic options, make sound choices for themselves and their families — and his job is to make sure they have both.
“I came to Pieter on very short notice with a situation 9 other attorneys said was impossible. He went above and beyond, proved large firms wrong, and was honest and responsive throughout. He was literally the quarterback making every play with my son’s best interests in mind. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
— Keith M., Google Review ★★★★★